We've said it before and we'll say it again: Congestion pricing is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enact progressive transportation policy for New York City.
With the midnight deadline to receive $354 million in federal aid approaching in a matter of hours, now is the last chance to call your representatives in Albany to express your support, no matter where they may stand on the issue. And don't forget, when you call you can have these handy fact sheets at your disposal.
As we learned from reader reports last week, several representatives who seem to be leaning against pricing in the press are in fact uncommitted. Your phone calls today will make a difference.
Every state legislator should hear as often as possible from pricing supporters, but here are a few that Streetsbloggers have identified as fence-sitters, and what our readers heard when they called.
Hakeem Jeffries. Despite signals that he does not favor pricing, the Brooklyn Assemblyman has yet to decide how he will vote:
- "i finally got an email back from Jeffries... in his emailhe said he was still "keeping an open mind" but that his colleagues inthe assembly still had concerns that had to be addressed."
Brooklyn Assemblywoman Joan Millman:
- "Assemblywoman Millman supports the concept of congestion pricing, butis hung up on getting assurances from the mayor about the lock box,transit improvements, and handicap access to subway stations."
Upper West Side Assemblyman Danny O'Donnell:
- "I called O'Donnell's office. The staffer on the phone said he "supportsthe goals" of CP but "has many questions." I gave my spiel on why weneed CP."
Lower Manhattan Assemblywoman Deborah Glick:
- "Called Glick’s office. Was told repeatedly that Glick does not have aposition on this issue which is bizarre because all of lower Manhattanwould benefit from the reduction of trucks heading over the bridges andinto the Holland tunnel."
Queens Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan:
- "I spoke to a staff member in Catherine Nolan's office. She said Nolan currently has no opinion."
